I'll add to me previous comment by saying something that is sure to make someone's head explode somewhere but generally I prefer Linux font rendering to OSX or Windows font rendering. With the right font readability is much better on Linux. I use Deja Vu fonts with subpixel smoothing and full hinting enabled. The fonts are crisp and easy to read. You can enable ClearType rendering in Linux but it looks worse in my opinion. It works poorly with light type on a dark background. You can cleary see the rainbow effect. I don't get that effect with native Linux font rendering. OSX by comparison is terrible for general readability although shape accuracy is very good.